To play bluegrass the way it was intended, you’re going to need a good weapon. In this article, we’ll show you some of the best bluegrass guitars available. Don’t expect low prices – expect quality, awesome tone, and playing comfort.

Great Bluegrass Guitars Compared

Guitar	Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1  Best Bluegrass Acoustic Gibson J-45 Standard A top quality workhorse guitar		(5.0)	$$$$
#2 Best Mid-Range Acoustic Taylor 214ce Deluxe Modern design with exceptional transparency		(4.3)	$$$
#3 Best Budget Model Epiphone Dove Studio Fishman Sonitone pickup system		(4.8)	$
#4 The King Of Acoustics Martin D-28 Traditional tone and huge bottom projection		(4.9)	$$$$
#5 Classic Engineering Yamaha LL16D ARE ARE tone aging		(4.4)	$$$
#6 Style and Electronics Washburn Comfort G25SCE Mahogany elbow binding		(3.9)	$$
#7 The Underdog Seagull S6 Pressure-tested cedar top		(4.2)	$

We hope you find this article helpful, informative and unbiased. Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Top 7 Bluegrass Guitars in Review

1. Gibson J-45 Standard

(5.0)

A top-end round-shoulder dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar from Gibson.

Top-Tier Bluegrass Axe

Gibson is, without a doubt, one of the two most popular guitar brands on the planet.

You may love them, you may hate the brand, but the fact remains – they make fantastic guitars for almost every player’s need. Of course, bluegrass musicians have a lot to be happy about here.

The J-45 Standard from Gibson features a top-notch tone wood blend and has a lot of style.

The Workhorse

The J-45 Standard has been aptly nicknamed “The Workhorse” – used on stages and in studios all across the world.

Its premium mahogany side and back build is highly resonant and brings a lot of depth to the J-45 Standard’s tone foundation. Of course, this is contrasted with the Sitka spruce top, which evokes tonal clarity and presence.

The high-grade rosewood on the fretboard is visibly different to most other fingerboards of the same base material. The VTC pickup system from LR Baggs has a lively, robust, and, above everything else, natural sound to it.

Check Today’s J-45 Standard Price >>

Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard Features

• Workhorse acoustic guitar
• Back and sides made out of solid mahogany, bringing out a round and warm sound
• The Sitka spruce top evokes tone clarity and projection
• Soft fretboard edges for extra comfort
• VTC pickups from LR Baggs help the J-45 Standard sound natural even when plugged in

Huge Attention to Detail

Gibson’s J-45 Standard offers a uniquely good build. A lot of attention to tonal and physical details went into this guitar’s design.

The result is an all-round workhorse that performs brilliantly for studio recording and stage performance.

Expect to Pay a Lot

This is a Gibson guitar. Not only that, but it’s a quality Gibson guitar. So, expect quite a hefty price tag here. Other than that, it’s pretty much perfect.

Gibson J-45 Standard Key Points

2. Taylor 214ce Deluxe

(4.3)

A modern-shaped grand auditorium acoustic-electric guitar from Taylor.

Grand Auditorium Bluegrass Machine

Taylor is a widely renowned acoustic guitar brand that’s popular with various bluegrass musicians.

Out of all Taylor guitars, however, the 214ce Deluxe is probably the best fit for a bluegrass enthusiast who’s looking for a quality mid-range guitar.

Although it’s still a fairly large-bodied instrument, this bluegrass axe isn’t a dreadnought. It boasts a grand auditorium shape, like many other Taylor-made guitars.

A Very Comfortable Shape

The grand auditorium shape appears smaller than the popular dreadnought. If you’re worried that the size of the 214ce Deluxe will compromise its volume capacity, you can rest easy.

Although grand auditorium guitars feature a narrower waist than dreadnoughts, their lower bout is actually wider. Many bluegrass musicians will find this guitar shape more comfortable than the dreadnought shape.

The sides and the back of this guitar are Indian rosewood, which brings that claret sweetness type of vibe to its overall tone.

To balance things and bring out that crisp, clear sound, the Taylor 214ce Deluxe has a Sitka spruce top.

Check Taylor 214ce Deluxe Availability >>

Taylor 214ce Deluxe Features

• Sitka spruce top for tone balance and projection enhancement
• Ebony fretboard on a Sapele neck helps you play smooth and fast
• Taylor’s proprietary Expression System 2 (ES2) amplifies the tone accurately
• The tasteful Venetian cutaway helps with upper-fret access
• A grand auditorium model with a huge tone

Versatility Is King

The best thing about this guitar is that it’s comfortable for guitarists of any size. Thanks to its slick action, it will appeal to electric enthusiasts and bluegrass guitar players alike.

While the rosewood adds capacity for strumming and flatpicking, the spruce top brings out clarity for fingerpicking.

Strength vs Weakness

The biggest upshot of this guitar (its versatility) is also its downside. More experienced players who know what they’re looking for might not like the emphasized versatility.

Taylor 214ce Key Points

3. Epiphone Dove Studio

(4.8)

An extremely affordable acoustic-electric guitar from Epiphone.

Fishman Sonitone in a Cheap Guitar

If you’re looking for a dirt-cheap acoustic-electric guitar for bluegrass that provides great value for the price, look no further.

Epiphone, a daughter company of one of the most popular guitar manufacturers on the planet, Gibson, has released the Dove Studio guitar that sits at a remarkably low price.

Cheap as it is, it sports Fishman Sonitone electronics, which is among the best acoustic guitar pickups available on the market.

The Dove Studio is worth the purchase for the pickups alone. But this model has much more to offer than the fancy electronics.

Enhanced Tone as It Breaks In

Perhaps the most surprising thing on this guitar (in addition to the Fishman electronics) is the fact that it actually sounds better as it ages.

This is thanks to the tonewoods used on it – maple on the sides and back and a solid spruce top.

Epiphone Dove Studio Availability >>

Epiphone Dove Studio Features

• Spruce top and maple sides and back help enhance the tone as the Dove Studio ages
• Brilliant Fishman Sonitone pickups make Epiphone Dove Studio sound much more expensive than it is
• Vintage Dove artwork reminiscent of the original Gibson model
• Tuning stability and precision from Grover tuners
• Fast and smooth playing thanks to the SlimTaper D neck

A Whole Lot of Cool Features

There is a mind-boggling amount of value packed into this very cheap acoustic-electric guitar.

You get quality Grover tuners, Fishman Sonitone system, and a neck profile called SlimTaper D. This neck profile helps bring smoothness and speed out of your playing.

You Get What You Pay for

It’s important that you note that this is a budget guitar. Expect certain parts like the nut and the bridge to be subpar in quality terms.

Epiphone Dove Key Points

4. Martin D-28

(4.9)

The undisputed standard, and extremely popular acoustic from a widely renowned guitar brand Martin.

An Age-Old Dreadnought

The Martin D-28 is, without a doubt, the most popular bluegrass guitar in the world. Quite a feat, as it’s been around since the 1930s, and still retains the top popularity title.

The D-28 hasn’t changed much since its inception, because there’s been no need for change. It remains a powerful dreadnought guitar that’s held dearly in the heart of many bluegrass musicians.

Smooth and Balanced Tone with a Punch

Originally designed to project through a the sonic wall of folk instruments such as fiddles and mandolins, the D-28 sports a well-balanced and dynamic acoustic tone – the foundation of any bluegrass guitar performance.

Thanks to the Sitka spruce and East Indian rosewood, this Martin bluegrass guitar delivers balance to a punchy, full warm tone and volume.

Its build is immediately recognizable, and understated in appearance, there’s really nothing overly ornate about the standard aesthetics. But this is the humble profile greatly preferred by many bluegrass enthusiasts.

Martin D-28 Acoustic Guitar

Martin D-28 Features

• Familiar dreadnought shape
• Tone depth and “bassiness” perfect with vocals
• Fantastic in all “unplugged” environments
• High-quality tonewoods for a timeless tone
• Low frequency response is never boomy – expect a tight tone

Familiar Tone

If you happen to find the D-28’s tone familiar, that’s because it’s been used on countless records over time. Modern bluegrass musicians either own this model, desire to have it or have a great deal of respect for it.

The Sitka spruce top fits the guitar’s rosewood body brilliantly and helps deliver projection and clarity.

May Be Too Boxy for Some

The iconic boxy-shoulder dreadnought build is great once you get used to it, whether you’re performing sitting down or standing up.

However, it might be a bit off-putting to electric guitarists, or individuals with a more compact body frame.

Martin D-28 Key Points

5. Yamaha LL16D ARE

(4.4)

A mid-range premium acoustic-electric guitar from Yamaha.

Rosewood Warmth

Yamaha is a world-renowned company that makes a variety of products. Quality guitars happen to be one of them, and the Yamaha LL16D is a prime example when it comes to acoustic-electric models.

Every bluegrass player knows how important a warm and rich sound is for this music style.

This is why Yamaha has introduced solid rosewood back and sides on the LL16D’s body. To evoke clarity and a crisp tone, they’ve gone with a solid spruce top.

Artificial Tone Aging

Quality guitars tend to start sounding better with age. Of course, for that smooth aged broken-in tone, years of playing are required.

Yamaha has developed a process called Acoustic Resonance Enhancement (ARE ), that brings the aged tone right out of the box.

The neck is made out of mahogany for extra resonance, and a rosewood fretboard is added for extra depth in tone.

Yamaha LL16D ARE Original Jumbo

Yamaha LL16D ARE Features

• ARE tone aging qualities – broken-in tone on a brand-new guitar
• Mahogany neck and rosewood fretboard for more resonance and depth
• SRT Zero Impact pickup with piezo
• Engelmann spruce top complements the rosewood sides and back perfectly
• Innovative design

A Top-Tier Guitar for a Mid-Range Price

Piezo is a guitar technology that is usually used to make an electric guitar sound like an acoustic one.

The passive SRT Zero Impact pickups provide each string with piezo elements, further enhancing the LL16D’s tone while plugged in.

Considering all the innovative features and a fantastic build, Yamaha LL16D ARE brings much more value to its mid-range price.

Outside The Box

Unfortunately for dreadnought lovers, this guitar simply isn’t one – meaning it’s lacking in terms of the bottom end and loudness.

Still, there are many bluegrass players who aren’t looking for a dreadnought-style guitar.

Yamaha LL16D ARE Key Points

6. Washburn Comfort G25SCE

(3.9)

An affordable acoustic-electric guitar with an elbow comfort binding from Washburn.

Uniquely Washburn Look

Washburn is a reputable guitar brand that makes fantastic mid-range acoustic guitars. Washburn Comfort G24SCE is a great example of a mid-range-level guitar that’s cheaper than most mid-range models.

The guitar boasts a really unique appearance that truly stands out. But appearance is not the only feature that sets the G25SCE model apart from its peers.

Mahogany Elbow Comfort

The G25SCE has a mahogany binding for elbow comfort, located on the guitar’s left lower bout.

The Fishman Presys+ pickup system is generally found on much more expensive models, but the G25SCE comes equipped with it.

The sides and the back are made out of solid mahogany, which emphasizes resonance. The alternating maple strips help compliment the aesthetics and tighten up the potentially muddy mahogany tone qualities.

Washburn Comfort G25SCE Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Washburn Comfort G25SCE Features

• Mahogany binding for extra elbow comfort on the lower bout
• Fishman Presys+ pickup perfectly replicates the unplugged sound
• Ovangkol fretboard is a beautiful, atypical choice for a guitar
• Bookmatched mahogany back panels for a unique look
• Neck has a satin finish for playing smoothness

Looks That Deceive

Apart from the fact that you get a high-quality instrument for a fairly low price, with Washburn Comfort G25SCE, this is a very unique looking guitar that will definitely turn a few heads.

Expect surprised reactions when you tell people how much you paid for it. You also get awesome Fishman Presys+ pickup and Grover 18:1 tuners for a fantastic sound and tuning stability.

An Acquired Taste

You may find the ovangkol fretboard weird at first. Don’t worry – it’s an acquired taste.

Washburn Comfort G24SCE Key Points

7. Seagull S6

(4.2)

A simple, capable bluegrass acoustic guitar from a Canadian brand Seagull.

Overlooked Quality

Although this is not the cheapest guitar on the list, it’s certainly very close to it. Unfortunately, owing to its non-mainstream name, the Seagull S6 often gets overlooked.

Still, this guitar is offering a full-range tone that fits all music styles, although it’s predominantly used in bluegrass.

Years of Maximum Harmonic Vibration

Tuning stability is definitely something that Seagull S6 prides itself on. This is all owing to the compound curved top and the integrated set neck. These features also ensure projection and resonance.

To ensure the best possible harmonic vibration, each S6 top is tested for stiffness and rigidity. The overall guitar build here will give you years and years of great performance. Certainly well worth the low price.

Seagull Guitars S6 Cedar Original Acoustic Guitar

Seagull S6 Features

• Cedar top is pressure-tested to ensure maximum tonal, response, and projection quality
• Proprietary TUSQ nut offer more harmonics than bone nuts
• Modified dreadnought body to avoid extra boominess
• Perfect neck relief and alignment thanks to the dual-function truss rod
• Custom-polished finish for better vibration

Brilliant Guitar for the Money

When put into perspective of how good this guitar’s build is, the S6’s price point becomes really ridiculous.

You get a high-quality TUSQ nut, excellent neck alignment and relief, pressure-tested top for best tonal quality, and rich, resonant sound.

Some Parts Aren’t Perfect

Don’t expect a top-of-the-line instrument with maximum-quality parts. You’re still paying much less than $1,000.

Seagull S6 Key Points

Bluegrass Guitars Buyer’s Guide

Every guitar from our list will find its ideal owner. We hope that the information provided is more than enough to help you make an educated decision about your new guitar.

However, knowing some basics of the genre and the guitars used for it can help you find the perfect guitar for you.

Here are some common questions that you may be wondering about yourself.

Is Bluegrass Hard to Play?

Bluegrass isn’t the most fast-paced genre, but it can’t be considered slow, either. Some bluegrass songs are fairly fast.

The genre is relatively straightforward, and most artists tend to use similar chord progressions. When it comes to rhythm, playing bluegrass with your guitar isn’t very complex.

First-position G, C, D, F, A, and B chords are used for the most part. These are very basic and pretty much the first thing a beginner bluegrass guitar player learns.

However, as far as solo playing is concerned, bluegrass can be very hard. Although the solo playing mostly involves pentatonic scales, these are played at high BPMs, and there are lots of “runs” involved.

Usually, one guitar is playing rhythm, while the other is soloing. The magic of bluegrass, though, boils down to lead-follow switches.

In other words, as a bluegrass player, you’ll be expected to know how to lead and how to follow. More importantly, you’ll be expected to know when to start and stop leading.

This is a skill acquired through practice and is based on the “feel” of the performance.

Start with solid rhythms and practice the chord patterns

The best way to practice bluegrass playing is to start with the rhythm. Learn the chords mentioned above and practice them.

Then, find someone to practice with. Be open and don’t be afraid to contact people – you’re just starting out, that’s nothing to be ashamed about. Try not to practice lead and rhythm playing in combination, take turns.

Bear in mind that you are going to have to practice a lot. Jams are awesome, but you also need to put in time on your own, at home. Combining practice and jams will help you learn bluegrass guitar.

What Key is Most Bluegrass In?

As a lively, upbeat genre, it is hardly a surprise that bluegrass relies mostly on the major scale.

Learning the major scale shape and the major pentatonic shape is a great idea for learning how to lead in bluegrass music.

Particular keys are less important. If you learn different major scale patterns, you can move them across the fretboard.

Still, the most common bluegrass keys are G, C, D, A, E, and F. Naturally, the bluegrass genre is rich with quality bands, and there is plenty of diversity to go about.

You’ll find bluegrass songs in different keys than these and even those who don’t rely on the major scale.

However, the mentioned keys and the major scale (and its pentatonic) are a great place to start your bluegrass guitar playing journey.

Learn the shapes in different scale patterns and play them across the keys mentioned above.

Then, move on to the minor scale and the minor pentatonic scale. It’s the most popular scale in the world used in various genres.

Finally, learn the Mixolydian scale. Don’t worry, it’s a tricky name, but the concept is simple: Play the major scale and move the 7^th note down a semitone (one fret back towards the headstock).

Although it’s important to learn these patterns, it’s even more critical that you play them. Practice soloing over music in various different keys.

What Guitars Do Professionals Use?

You might think that only the pros use the most expensive guitars on the market. In part, you are right; you’ll find many professional bluegrass players using expensive top-tier brands such as Gibson and high-end Taylor models, for instance.

But in truth, most popular players are endorsed by a brand, meaning that they don’t pay for the instrument or pay only a small fraction of it.

You’ll also find many professionals who use relatively cheap guitars. Don’t be surprised if you see one of the models mentioned above at a high-profile show.

Therefore, the simple answer here would be professionals use any kind of guitar that suits them best. Until you learn what works for you, don’t think about expensive models.

What are the Best Acoustic Guitar Strings for Bluegrass?

Every guitar player will tell you that they know that a particular brand of strings is the best one.

What you won’t hear often is the truth: It boils down to personal preference. Don’t put too much stock in any one person’s opinion.

Try the wide variety of guitar string brands available

As long as we are talking about bronze acoustic guitar strings, anything goes. Bronze banjo, phosphor bronze, nickel bronze, etc., are all great options for bluegrass. Get out there and try out different strings.

What is the Best Guitar for Bluegrass?

The best guitar for bluegrass would be one that featured all the greatest aspects of the models mentioned above.

Unfortunately, such a model doesn’t exist, and you’re probably going to have to compromise.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line guitar, take a look at the brands such as Martin, Taylor, and Gibson.

If you’re looking for a mid-tier solution, Washburn might not be a bad idea.

But as an absolute beginner, don’t go north of $500. If you already own a guitar, even if it’s not particularly good for bluegrass, you can start there.

Always keep in mind that good bluegrass guitars aren’t necessarily built solely for bluegrass.

Who Wins The Battle For Overall Best Bluegrass Guitar?

All of the mentioned instruments from this list feature great qualities. It all depends on how much you want to spend on a bluegrass guitar.

But the prize for the king of the best bluegrass guitars goes to the renowned Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard.

This is a reliable, durable workhorse guitar with excellent resonant properties and great clarity and projection.

Its soft fretboard edges ensure player comfort, and LR Baggs VTC pickups are some of the most natural-sounding ones on the market.

We hope that this guide has helped you make the right choice. If not, keep on searching for the instrument that fits you best.

EDITOR’S PICK

Gibson Acoustic J-45 Standard

What Do Gibson J-45 Owners Think? >>

The post Best Bluegrass Guitars (7 Killer Acoustics) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We hope you find this article helpful and unbiased. By using links on this page we may receive compensation at no extra cost. If you do, thank you so much!

The Hunt for the Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500

You may think you have to spend a ton of money to get a great playing and sounding guitar. Not so! There are quite a few models in the $500 range that represent a superior value, and give more expensive guitars a serious run for their money. Here are our top three picks!:

Compare these affordable acoustic guitars:

Product	Feature Image	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best Guitar Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar		(4.7)	$$$
#2 Best Bundle Deal Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle with Hard Case		(4.6)	$$
#3 Most Robust Build Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar		(4.6)	$$

3 Great Acoustic Guitars Under $500 Reviewed

1. Best Acoustic Under $500: Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Limited Edition

(4.7 / 5)

You may be wondering what makes the Seagull S6 so special. The Limited Edition finish is a striking upgrade in appearance but remember, looks aren’t everything.

The most important consideration when it comes to buying a new guitar is the sound quality, and the Seagull S6 by Godin has it in spades! No, it it’s not necessarily the most fancy looking guitar. But the tone, quality of construction, and playability make up the difference.

There is no intricate inlay work, it has no cutaway, and the design isn’t that much different from many other acoustic guitars on the market. But, when you hear the sound quality, you’ll forget all about the other shortcomings.

High quality, low price

This guitar proves that you don’t have to spend a lot of money in order to get a good quality guitar. This is a finely crafted instrument with a fine tonal quality.

Godin, being a very smart and well-run Canadian company that manufactures Seagull Guitars, decided to put together a fabulous value for who aren’t ready to buy a more expensive instrument. Focussing more on sound and build quality has been their winning combination for decades.

In fact, you may even find that you love this guitar so much that you don’t need to upgrade. This isn’t just a beginner guitar; this is a guitar that is designed for players of all levels.

Read the Latest Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Reviews >>

Features

• This guitar has something that many others in the same price range do not: a pressure-tested, solid cedar top. Many other guitars that are similarly priced have a laminate spruce wood top. The solid wood top is just one of many things that make this guitar a step above other inexpensive models, and gives it a fantastic tonal quality
• The back and sides of the Seagull S6 are made from Canadian wild cherry wood, which is something else you don’t often see on a guitar in this or any other price range. It makes this one of the more attractive guitars you are ever going to play
• This guitar has a traditional fretboard (one of the only traditional things you are going to find on it), made from rosewood. A standard material with most acoustic guitars, because it plays and lasts well
• According to many musicians, this is a guitar that sounds great whether it is being picked or strummed. It doesn’t sound like your typical beginner acoustic guitar, because it is not your typical beginner acoustic guitar

Check Seagull S6 Acoustic Availability >>

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Review

What Do Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Players Think? >>

2. Best Bundle Deal: Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle

Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Bundle

(4.6 / 5)

Once again, you can see that there is no need to spend upwards of $1,000 to get a quality guitar. The Fender company has been manufacturing affordable player-oriented instruments like this since the 50’s.

The Fender CD-60S features a dreadnought body style, with a solid mahogany top and scalloped “X” bracing. It also has a mahogany back and sides, and the fingerboard has rolled edges, making the neck easier to play.

This is a great instrument for anyone who wants a quality acoustic guitar that is also affordable, and has great sound quality and playability. The best part is, you get this guitar at a great price, and it comes in a bundle package, so you also get the accessories you need to start playing right away.

A fantastic beginner acoustic guitar package

If you’re looking for a guitar for a beginner to start with, this is a great choice, and it isn’t going to break the bank. The Fender CD-60S acoustic is versatile and high quality. Ideal for both beginners and intermediate players.

It offers a mellow tone that is warm yet strong, and thanks to the “X” bracing, there is extra resonance. This is also a great looking guitar that you are going to be proud to bring out when company comes over and wants to hear you play.

Check Fender CD-60S Dreadnought Bundle Availability >>

Features

• This is an attractive guitar, with a natural wood finish, black and white neck and body binding, chrome tuning knobs, and an attractive pattern around the sound hole that is made from acrylic, but has the appearance of beautiful mother of pearl
• This guitar is typically priced significantly less than $500, but just because it doesn’t cost a lot, don’t think that you are getting a cheap guitar. It neither looks nor feels cheap, and it offers many features that you won’t find on other guitars in the same price range
• The CD-60S has 20 frets and a rosewood fingerboard, offers players a 25.3 inch scale neck. It also has many other quality parts going into its construction, including the scalloped “X” bracing, a dual-action truss rod, and sealed, die-cast tuners
• We love the low action that you’re going to find in these acoustic guitars. In fact, this is what makes this a great guitar for beginners, because there is no need to press down hard on the strings in order to create sounds without buzzing

Read the Latest Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Reviews

Fender CD-60S Acoustic Guitar Bundle Review

What are Fender CD-60S Acoustic Bundle Customers Saying? >>

3. Most Robust Build: Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

(4.6 / 5)

In 1966, Yamaha came out with the FG, proving to the world that it isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money to get a quality guitar. The FG guitars were created with playability in mind, and have awesome musical tone quality.

The original FG is now a classic, and the latest in the series, the Yamaha FG830, offers up even better features, while still typically being priced well below $500.

This next edition has what many call the best tone out of all of the FG guitars, along with that great playability that we have all come to know and love. This is an inexpensive guitar, but it certainly is not a cheap guitar by any means.

Louder sound

In our experience, Yamaha has always produced exceptionally robust, durable instruments regardless of price range.

Boosting the overall value even further, the 800 Series including the FG830 uses acoustic analysis technology that was created by the Yamaha R&D Division.

This technology allows players to produce a louder and clearer sound, even in the low to mid ranges. This is a guitar that breaks from tradition in construction, and you will not be disappointed when you sit down to play it.

Click Here for Customer Reviews

Features

• The scalloped bracing is a new development from Yamaha for the 800 series. This gives the guitar a durable structure that offers a more natural sound. This is something that you aren’t going to see in acoustic guitars from other manufacturers
• This guitar comes in two different body shapes, with one being FS concert size. It is also available in five different grades, with a variety of tone wood options, not to mention many different colors, so you are sure to find something that is just right for you
• We love being able to plug our acoustic guitars in for even louder sound, especially when playing on stage because there is no need to mic the guitars. The FG830 is available in both acoustic and electric-acoustic models
• Considering the low price range of this guitar, it is quite surprising when you pick it up and enjoy the comfortable, smooth neck and profile. It is comfortable to play, and it looks just as great as it sounds

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Review

Are Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Acoustic Guitar Owners Happy? >>

Compare featured affordable acoustic guitars under $500:

Overall Best Guitar

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar Limited...

Best Bundle Deal

Fender CD-60S Solid Top Dreadnought Acoustic...

Most Robust Build

Yamaha FG830 Solid Top Folk Guitar, Natural

Why even consider acoustic guitars under $500?

In the guitar industry, this price range is the sweet spot for both entry level and serious players alike. There are a host of great acoustic guitars under $500 to choose from because it’s so competitive.

It’s a perfect price range for intermediate players, and beginner guitarists will generally get a better instrument. Accomplished players also love the value in an instrument they can kick around without worrying about their more expensive counterparts.

These are quality instruments from some of the most well-known guitar manufacturers in the world. They have great sound quality, play well, and look pretty great too, and you aren’t going to have to take out a bank loan in order to get one.

Don’t spend a lot to get a lot

The guitars we’ll look at prove that you really don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a lot in a guitar. Sure, these may not be what all professionals are using, but as mentioned, if you’re a beginner or intermediate player any of these guitars are going to be great choices for you.

It’s never a good idea to spend a lot of money on a guitar when you aren’t sure if you are going to be able to play, but you still want to get a guitar that sounds great. This is the focus of what to expect with any of our choices, plus they aren’t going to put you in the poor house.

Wrapping Up, Which is the Best Acoustic Guitar Under Under $500?

As you can clearly see, there is no need to go out and spend a lot of money to get a great quality acoustic guitar, and it isn’t going to be one of those department store guitars that are cheap and sound like junk.

There are plenty of quality acoustic guitars out there that cost less than $500, and they are made by some of the top instrument manufacturers in the world.

Without splitting hairs, our first choice would undoubtedly be the Seagull S6 Original by Godin. Yes it’s a bit more money but the sheer balance of fit, finish, features and sound is simply the best bang for the buck and worth the extra investment.

As you can see, you don’t have to sacrifice on quality with any of these guitars. If you’re just starting out, they’re all going to grow with you.

In fact, you may find that you keep your acoustic guitar long after you have left the beginning stages, because you will be hard pressed to find the same quality, even in more expensive instruments.

EDITOR’S PICK

Seagull S6 Original Acoustic Guitar

What Do Seagull Original S6 Owners Think?

The post Best Acoustic Guitar Under $500 (Quick Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Seagull Artist Mosaic at a Glance:

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Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic: Is This The Guitar For You?

Whether you have mastered the guitar, or are looking to take on a new craft, the Seagull brand has a broad range of instruments available to fit your playing style. The Seagull Artist Mosaic is no exception, perfect for a beginner or seasoned professional.

Why Consider the Seagull Artist Acoustic?

Though possibly less distinguished than other brands which carry a hefty price increase for their name, the superb quality and sound of this guitar make it a serious contender in the market.

This is, in part, due to fantastic construction and sound of the instrument, but its overall value is truly realized in the playability.

Robert Godin first started producing Seagull Guitars in the Village of LaPatrie, Quebec back in 1982. Designed to combine the best elements of hand-crafted instruments at an affordable price, including soundboards made of centuries old tonewoods.

Considering the legacy of exceptional craftsmanship, materials and value, it’s easy to see how the Artist Mosaic qualifies as one of the best acoustic guitars under $1000.

What We Like About It

The Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar is a great choice for players at virtually any skill level. Being made in North America also helps support the national economy keeping your dollars localized.

A great addition to the Seagull family, the instrument has a great sound and is easy to play. It’s one major shortfall being without an onboard pickup system, it does limit you with what you can do with it in live situations, especially for gigs. On the other hand, the lack of electronics keeps the price point reduced.

There are many acoustic venues where this would sound great, and in the worst case scenario, you could have a microphone hooked up pointed in its direction, but this should primarily just be used acoustically.

It sounds just as good as any of the high-end models we’ve played, while also having a great if somewhat understated look. Keep in mind, purely cosmetic elements added to a guitar can drive the cost up dramatically and have little or no effect on sound.

If you’re a more advanced guitarist looking for the highest quality of instrument, the Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar would be a great buy as you can’t go wrong with the Seagull brand in general.

Get the Best Deal on a Seagull Artist Mosaic at Reverb.com! >>

How Does It Play?

The mahogany integrated set neck, though a bit broad, is ideally fitted with slightly wide-set strings, perfect for fingerpicking. The harmonic overtones while fingerpicking make playing at full strength unnecessary, easily filling a room with warm tones with a light strum.

That being said, the action of this guitar out of the box is a bit higher than other similarly styled instruments, but can easily be adjusted with a good guitar setup.

The resonance and overall vibration of this instrument set it apart from other guitars in its class. This is complemented by the semi-gloss, light finished exterior, which beckons a gentle caress on its surface to take in the rich grain.

This is testament to the excellent build quality of this guitar, despite the reasonable price.

What’s the Build Quality Like?

This solid wood guitar is a menagerie of high-end woods, expertly pieced together to create an acoustical masterpiece.

The top of the guitar is made from pressure treated cedar, while the back and sides are made from solid mahogany.

The fingerboard and bridge are made from solid rosewood, and finally the nut and saddle are made from a bone alternative called Tusq made by Graph Tech Guitar Labs.

In conjunction, the combination of these disparate elements make for an extremely playable guitar, with a unique feel.

The Seagull Artist Mosaic is truly a unique instrument, with a level of craftsmanship far outreaching its price point.

Key Features

The Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar comes with a variety of features to meet your musical instrument needs. These features include:

• Manufactured and built in North America
• Bracing is made out of the new scalloped Adirondack spruce
• Finger board is made out of rosewood
• The bridge is designed using new rosewood
• Top is solid cedar
• Back and sides are solid mahogany
• Weighs 8 pounds
• Measures 45” x 8.5” x 19”
• Neck material is mahogany

Pros and Cons

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar Review

What are Seagull Artist Mosaic Owners Saying? >>

How Does It Sound?

Aside from the beautiful looks of this instrument, and its quality construction, it has a rich clean sound. The slightly larger string spacing will definitely ensure a truer sound while fingerpicking.

Additionally, the quality of the neck makes it feel as though the notes and chords sing off the mahogany, providing a rich and unencumbered sound resonating from the mid-rich cedar top.

You can easily discern the strong tonal qualities of the cedar-mahogany wood combination, the result of a well-built instrument. As the guitar matures with time and becomes more cohesive, those strong cedar-voiced lower mids will mellow into an even richer tonal palette.

Compare Similar Seagull Acoustic Guitars:

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Final Verdict: Should You Consider Buying a Seagull Artist?

This entire instrument is made with an attention to detail outstripping its medium price range. The quality of production, and outstanding tonal qualities, make it an ideal replacement for a guitar in the $2-3000 price range, while sitting at just a small portion of that price.

This is solid-wood quality guitar that seems to have a sound which will only get better with time, feeling fully open and true even at medium to hard playing.

It is certainly a great investment for a fledgling guitarist or seasoned professional, and also comes with a well-designed travel case. Regardless of your skill level, we consider the Seagull Artist Mosaic is a great buy.

We also recommend going to try it out for yourself at a local store before buying, as we believe an instrument should not be bought without testing it first. Instruments, at this level especially, are all about personal preference.

Even though this instrument is of excellent manufacture, making a qualified purchase depends on your sensitivity to tone, cosmetic appeal, and overall skill level.

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Manufacturer Info:

Website: http://www.seagullguitars.com/

About: In 1982 Robert Godin produced the first Seagull guitars in the Village of LaPatrie, Quebec. The concept for the Seagull guitar was to take the essential components of the best hand-crafted guitars (such as solid tops and beautiful finishes) and build these features into guitars that could be priced within the reach of working musicians.

The post Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar [Complete Review] first appeared on GuitarNiche.

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The 5 Best Acoustic Guitars Under $1,000 Worth Every Cent

Great Acoustic Guitars Comparison Chart:

Product	Best Feature	Rating	Relative Price
#1 Overall Best ChoiceTakamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar		(4.7)	$$$
#2 Best ValueSeagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar	No products found.	(4.5)	$$$$
#3 Spectacular ToneLa Patrie Guitar, Collection		(4.2)	$$$$
#4 Price Increase :(Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar		(4.4)	$$$$$
#5 All Solid ConstructionSeagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar	No products found.	(4.2)	$$$

If you’re looking for the great acoustic guitars under $1,000, you’ll be thrilled to know you can find a reasonably priced premium instrument matching your expectations with great sound, feel, and looks.

Fine Acoustics Guitars Under $1,000 in Review

1. Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Includes famous Takamine electronics technology.

Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

Takamine GN93CE Features

The Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar comes with a variety of features to meet your musical instrument needs including:

• Top is made of solid spruce
• Sides are rosewood
• Back is a three-piece, made out of rosewood/quilt maple
• Neck is slim, made out of mahogany has a 12″ radius
• Fingerboard is made out of rosewood; provides you with the ability to play and perform solos
• Comes with the TK-40D preamp system, which provides a built-in tuner, EQ for three instruments and gain controls, switch the mid contour, filter your sound and bypass the EQ
• Glossy natural finish
• Right handed guitar
• Measures 44” x 6” x 20”

Check Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Availability >>

GN93CE Summary

The Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Acoustic comes highly recommended for both beginners and more advanced players. Primarily because of how incredibly affordable it is. It’s one of the less expensive buys on our list, but also sounds just as good as any of the more expensive examples listed.

Being no slouch in quality acoustic guitar manufacturing, this  exceptional Takamine model provides you with ultimate versatile playability both acoustically and electronically, the TK-40D EQ system built into the guitar is fantastic, and has a top-notch precision and is up to a high standard.

The only downside is that the Takamine GN93CE-NAT Acoustic-Electric does not come with a case, (but you can find one that fits here) and will be an additional cost on top of the guitar itself.

Takamine Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric in Review

What Do Takamine Nex Acoustic-Electric Guitar Owners Think? >>

2. Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Simply a great combination of build quality, sound, and price.

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Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar

Seagull Artist Mosaic Features

• Delivered as a six-string guitar with dimensions of 45” x 8.5” x 19”
• Weighs just 8 lbs.
• Made in North America
• Designed with a new rosewood bridge and fretboard
• Made of selected mahogany back and sides
• Comes with a hand-picked and pressure-tested solid top
• Has a new-style scalloped Adirondack spruce bracing
• Designed with premium gold-finished machine pegs
• Comes with a nice storage case

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Artist Mosaic Acoustic Summary

Even though the Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Guitar is less expensive than some of these higher-priced brands, it comes finished with beautiful appointments like its glossy top, tortoise-shell pick guard, and Indian rosewood headstock overlay, and truss-rod cover.

If you’ve played a high-end guitar that costs around $3,000 or so, then it’s time to check out this Seagull acoustic guitar for similar feel and sound. It is definitely among the best guitars in its price range.

You could possibly spend hours going through 100+ guitar reviews, and you’ll probably include the Artist Mosiac as one of the premium guitars on your checklist.

This is one guitar even the most demanding of professional players will find to their liking, and it’s only a matter of time before you’ll find some of your favorite players recommending this guitar. It is destined to become a bestseller for its excellent tone and sound.

If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar under $1,000 dollars, this Seagull acoustic guitar is a great choice.

Read the Full Article Here

Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic in Review

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What Are Seagull Artist Mosaic Acoustic Owners Saying? >>

3. La Patrie Collection Guitar

Spectacular tone in a classical package.

La Patrie Collection Guitar from Godin

La Patrie Collection Features

• Has standard dimensions of 42” x 14.8” x 5.5”
• Weighs a low 5.8 lbs.
• Delivered as a North American-made six-string guitar
• Comes with a pressure-tested solid top made of cedar
• Has rosewood sides and back
• Finished with the high-gloss custom polish
• Comes with a standard rosewood fretboard and bridge
• Offered with a mahogany neck
• Has a fingerboard with radius to increase comfort and ease of play
• Delivered with a double-function truss rod
• Designed with a compensated saddle over a TUSQ nut

Check La Patrie Guitar Collection Availability >>

Collection Guitar Summary

This smart-looking La Patrie Guitar, Collection comes with a spruced top made of wood acquired from aged wood. The sides and back, made of solid Indian rosewood, complement the semi-glossy lacquered finish.

Free vibrations are allowed along this adequately-thick guitar. Its neck is made of Honduras mahogany with a satin finish, and its medium-size frets are nicely edged.

This La Patrie, Collection guitar is unlike other traditional guitars in that it comes with a dual-action truss rod that may disappoint guitar players wanting the traditional look.

Also, if you’re a professional looking for the best acoustic guitar under $1,000, and with a tone that resonates freely, you may not like its slightly muffled sound.

La Patrie Pros and Cons

La Patrie Collection in Review

Are La Patrie Collection Guitar Owners Happy? >>

4. Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar

Structure and tonewoods found in instruments three times the price.

Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar

Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Features

• Dimensions are 40” x 16” x 5”
• Has scalloped braces offering a crisp tone and clean articulation
• Made of the choicest Indian rosewood fingerboard that increases playing smoothness
• Designed with a slim neck for long-lasting stability, and quick, easy action.
• Offers a vintage look with its distinctive tortoise-style pick guard
• Has a rosewood bridge with rosewood bridge plate
• Delivered in a natural, high-gloss finished six-string guitar
• Designed with bone-finish saddle and nut
• Comes with a delicate herringbone inlay around the top
• Offers highly accurate 14:1 ratio open-back tuners with nickel plating

Check Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Guitar Availability >>

BR-160 Historic Series Summary

Experienced guitar players have found the Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar the best acoustic guitar under $1,000, much for its vintage styling that reminded them of yesteryear acoustic guitars.

It comes with a mahogany neck fitted with an adjustable truss rod. High-performance quality is sustained with this carefully crafted guitar. Its exclusive Dalmatian-style pick guard and high-gloss finish look very striking.

The Blueridge BR-160 comes in two variations of spruce tops: Adirondack and Sitka. Depending on which model you choose, you will see a swing in base price of around $300 for the premium Adirondack version.

Read the full review on the BR-160 Sitka version here.

There is an attractive wide-body binding around the top, which is made of top-quality tone-wood, and highly durable back and sides made of Indian rosewood. Its traditional forward-shifting X-brace pattern at the top adds great authenticity to this vintage-class guitar.

Carefully crafted at the Blueridge factory under the Saga Music umbrella, its intricate inlays, fretwork, and hand-carved parabolic top braces will get your immediate attention and take you back to the 1930s—a time when guitars were handmade and set to match the highest quality standards.

Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Guitar in Review

What are Blueridge BR-160 Historic Series Owners Saying? >>

5. Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar

Solid wood construction throughout.

No products found.

Seagull Maritime SWS SG Acoustic Guitar

Seagull Maritime SWS Features

• Comes with dimensions of 49” x 20” x 9”
• Designed with a solid wood construction including back and sides
• Made of selected pressure-tested spruce top
• Delivered in a strong mellow tone with semi-gloss finish
• Delivers better intonation with its TUSQ nut and compensated saddle
• Made in North America
• Comes with a double-action truss rod
• Comes with a matched body and neck to enable high-precision setting
• Designed with a compound-curved top for additional stability

No products found.

Check Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar Customer Availability >>

Maritime SWS SG Summary

This solid wood Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar has all the premium features to last for a very long time, including its select pressure-tested solid spruce top and custom-polished finish.

This elastic and extremely light guitar from the Godin family of instruments ages very well, and is made available to more people with its attractive price range. It delivers full sound and can be used as an accompaniment to other instruments.

Its thin, resilient sheen offers ideal protection but also maximizes total projection and improves the sound quality.

The slightly wider-than-normal neck needs some adjustment. However, this is the best acoustic guitar under $1,000 for casual players looking to upgrade their playing skills to the professional level.

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Seagull Maritime SWS SG Acoustic in Review

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What Do Seagull Maritime SWS SG Guitar Customer Think? >>

What Are the Benefits of Buying A Better Guitar?

Compared to just a couple of decades ago, we now have a perfect storm of quality and price due to improved manufacturing processes and market competition.

Of course you can get a great guitar from established manufacturers such as Yamaha, a Martin and Taylor, or any one of the famous brands for $1,000 — this is big money for a guitar, and you have plenty of choices.

But our focus here is to find great value instruments under a set dollar value.

Sound and design

These are two areas you will not want to compromise on, irrespective of the brand you choose.

For example, great sound is a must for this price. You’d think this is a given for a $1,000 guitar. You may be on the right track; however, good sound can turn into great sound, especially if the guitar has a good setup. The guitar you choose should be backed by at least 1,000 or more satisfied customers.

Again, the design you specifically need to suit your style of play is available without compromising in sound.

Affordability

Since you’ve already decided on the cost, your target must be to get the best option within that range. You can follow a definite process to arrive at a quality guitar that costs approximately $700 to $800, go higher to $800 to $900, then cap it up at $1000 to arrive at a reasonable number of options meeting your demands.

There’s no doubt the guitar industry as a whole is experiencing a renaissance. Brian Majeski of The Music Trades, continuously published since 1890, has written about this phenomenon and it’s implications more than a few times over the last few years.

Visual Appeal

This is a highly subjective element, and very dependant on individual taste. Personally, I’ve turned away absolutely incredible playing instruments simply on the basis that I though they were butt ugly – fugly! Point is, to each his own, there’s no accounting for taste.

If the instrument strikes a chord with you visually, that’s a big plus for long term enjoyment. But be warned, cosmetic elements come at a price: if a new guitar has a lot of bells and whistles visually, it’s a safe bet that’s where your money’s going.

Would you rather have a shoebox with rubber bands that looks great, or a plain jane that plays and sounds incredible? The choice is yours. Gratefully, we have a guide that finds the perfect balance of both.

Compare These Featured Acoustic Guitars:

Best Choice

Takamine GN93CE-NAT Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric...

Best Value

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Premium Pick

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Final Verdict: What’s the Best Acoustic Under $1000?

If you’re looking for the best acoustic guitar under $1,000 dollars, this is a great buy. The La Patrie Collection, the Blueridge Historic Series, and the Seagull Maritime SWS SG are among the best currently available at less than $1,000.

However, if you were to make a choice based on referrals, the Takamine Nex Acoustic-Electric offers the best balance of build, sound and overall value. With it’s super comfortable neck, big tone and superior built-in electronics, you can’t go wrong with this quality made instrument.

If our recommended choice doesn’t quite resonate with your preferences, consider reading our individual reviews on two other very fine instruments offered by exceptional brands: the Martin DRS2, and the Taylor 114CE respectively.

EDITOR’S PICK

Takamine Nex Cutaway Acoustic-Electric Guitar

What Do Takamine Nex Acoustic Guitar Owners Think? >>

The post Best Acoustic Guitar Under $1000 (Complete Guide) first appeared on GuitarNiche.